Are you looking for information about squid fishing in Halong Bay? This travel blog gives you all the details about squid fishing in Halong Bay, one of the most exciting nighttime activities you can enjoy in this natural landscape. As a traditional practice that dates back generations among local fishermen, squid fishing has now become a must-try experience for tourists visiting this stunning bay in northern Vietnam. In this guide, Halong Junk Cruise will share everything you need to know about this fun activity – from the best times to go, what to expect, safety tips, and which cruises offer the best squid fishing experiences.
Why you shouldn’t miss squid fishing in Halong Bay?
When you stay overnight on a boat in Halong Bay, whether it’s a luxury cruise or a simple vessel, you’ll want something special to make your night truly memorable. That’s where squid fishing comes in – it’s the top nighttime activity in Halong Bay that travelers love.
Squid fishing is one of the most fascinating activities you can try during your Halong Bay tour. The cruise staff will give you fishing rods and racquets specially designed for catching squid. You’ll get to try your hand at this traditional fishing method while enjoying the peaceful nighttime atmosphere of the bay.
What makes this experience even better is what happens after you catch the squid. The crew will take your fresh catch and turn it into delicious dishes right on the spot. There’s nothing quite like eating seafood that was swimming in the ocean just minutes earlier! Many tourists particularly enjoy simply boiled whole squid, which lets you taste the full fresh flavor of this tasty seafood.
As you fish, you’ll also get to see Halong Bay in a completely different light. The water glitters with reflections from the lights of anchored cruises, creating a magical scene. The limestone karsts become mysterious silhouettes against the night sky, adding to the unique atmosphere.
Squid fishing requires some patience and skill, but the excitement of feeling a squid latch onto your line makes it all worthwhile. You’ll use a specialized rod with a shrimp-shaped lure and a white light to attract the squid. The best spots are in calm waters away from too much boat traffic.
For local residents, squid fishing is both a livelihood and a tradition. For tourists, it’s a chance to try something new while also taking in the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay at night – the limestone mountains wrapped in mist, the peaceful fishing villages, and the refreshing sea air.
Here’s what you can expect when squid fishing in Halong Bay:
- A hands-on fishing experience with specialized equipment designed for catching squid
- Fresh squid prepared into delicious meals right on your boat
- Breathtaking nighttime views of Halong Bay’s famous limestone karsts
- A peaceful atmosphere with gentle waves and cool breezes
- The chance to learn traditional fishing techniques from local experts
- An authentic cultural experience that connects you with local Vietnamese traditions
- The excitement of catching your own seafood dinner
- Photo opportunities of the bay under starlight and boat lights
- A relaxing evening activity after a day of swimming and kayaking
- The satisfaction of enjoying a meal you helped to catch yourself
Best time for squid fishing in Halong Bay
You can try squid fishing in Halong Bay during any season, but your chances of catching more squid increase during their breeding season. According to local fishermen who know these waters best, the prime squid season in Halong Bay runs from late autumn to early spring (September to February).
The peak breeding season happens in early winter, particularly October and November. During this time, not only are squid more abundant, but they’re also larger than usual. This period coincides with the main tourism season in Halong Bay, making it an ideal time to visit.
Weather is an important factor to consider when planning your squid fishing adventure. Nights in Halong Bay can get quite cold during squid season, especially from December to February, so remember to bring a jacket or coat. If temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, you might want to stay on your cruise rather than risk getting sick. Safety should always be your priority – avoid going squid fishing when the sea is rough or during stormy conditions.
If you can’t visit during the peak squid season, the period from March to June also offers good conditions for outdoor activities in Halong Bay. The weather during these months is mild, and heavy rains haven’t yet become frequent. However, it’s best to avoid July and August, when storms are common and cruises might be canceled or cut short for safety reasons.
Local tips: As many experienced fishers share, the night that we cannot see the moon is the best time for squid fishing. Without the moon, squids are totally attached to the light of fishers. Your job will be much easier than at night with a clear moon. However, besides the natural conditions, the outcome of fishing also depends much on luck.
>>> Maybe you want to read more about Halong Bay weather: What is the weather like in Halong Bay? – Best time to visit
Tips for choosing the best artificial bait for squid fishing
The quality of artificial baits can decide whether you can get many squids for the yummy night snacks afterward.
The artificial bait is made from rubber in the shape of shrimp. Moreover, it was attached to a fishing hook. This kind of bait is odorless, and its color is the same as a real shrimp. The artificial bait is tied directly to the fishing line. When being thrown into the sea, it will sink slowly and attract squids.
This kind of bait will move like a real shrimp. Squids will attack it by using their antennas to surround the bait. And it’s time for you to pull.
There are many brands of artificial bait to choose from. One of them is Yo-Zuri from Japan. This will be more effective for fishing because, besides the bait, there is a luminescent system that can attract the squids. The average price for this kind is about US$5 per one.
Another kind of artificial bait is from China. The upside is that it’s cheaper. However, it will not be as efficient as the two mentioned earlier.
You can prepare the artificial bait beforehand or buy it on the boat. The fishers are always ready to introduce all kinds of bait for you to choose from.
How to choose the best fishing rod?
You should choose the fishing rod around 2-3 meters in length. The fishing line should be from 20 to 25 meters. Actually, you need help from someone else on the boat to connect the artificial bait with the fishing rod.
Squid fishing technique to get the most squids
Fishing squids is not easy. For those who don’t have any experience in fishing, it takes time. First, you need to remember some tips.
- You have to drop the line gradually. Do not drop it fast.
- After that, bring it closer to the boat and pay attention.
- If squids try to eat the artificial bait, you will feel the fishing rod heavier and see the movement from the surface. At that time, you have to pull it up. It has to be quick but not too strong.
- If 5 minutes after dropping the line, nothing happens, you should pull the line and clear the artificial bait. Then, continue to try again.
But you do not need to worry so much. Friendly local fishermen will help you with the techniques, then you can do it easily. The most important thing is to enjoy the beautiful moments, right?
How to take part in squid fishing in Halong Bay?
Lots of Halong luxury cruises include squid fishing in their itinerary. All you have to do is find your perfect cruise depending on your tour duration, budget, and cruising areas. Then check your ideal Halong Bay cruises from available options if they have squid fishing.
If you decide to go on a day trip to Halong Bay, unluckily, you can not squid fishing. Squid fishing is only available to a two or three-day Halong boat tour.
For some people, the best part of squid fishing is to enjoy delicious squids right after your hard-work. Nothing tastes better than seafood than fresher seafood, right? To some other people, the chance to interact with local fishermen is priceless. With bits of help from experienced tour guides, you can easily get to know more about their stories. As each story is different, the experience can be really personal and hard to forget.
Some notes for your health and safety
While squid fishing isn’t particularly dangerous, it’s always good to take some precautions to make sure your experience stays fun and safe:
- Bring a light jacket or sweater since temperatures drop at night, even in warmer months
- Always wear the life jacket provided by the cruise staff – no exceptions
- Keep a safe distance from the edges of the boat, especially when excited about catching a squid
- Follow all instructions given by the cruise staff and fishing guides
- Wear non-slip shoes as the deck can get wet and slippery
- Be careful handling the fishing equipment, especially the hooks
- Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after handling fishing gear and before eating
- Stay hydrated but moderate your alcohol consumption while fishing
- Keep an eye on children at all times during the activity
- Inform the staff if you feel seasick or unwell
- Be mindful of others around you when casting your line
- Don’t lean too far over the railing when trying to see into the water
- Consider your physical condition – squid fishing requires standing for extended periods
- Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes can be present on the bay at night
Suggested Halong Bay Cruises for squid fishing
When choosing a Halong Bay cruise for squid fishing, you’ll want to find one that specifically includes this activity in their itinerary and has experienced staff to guide you. Many cruises offer squid fishing, but the quality of the experience can vary. Here are some excellent options that provide great squid fishing opportunities along with comfortable accommodations and other activities:
Bhaya Classic Cruise
Bhaya Classic offers a wonderful squid fishing experience with professional guidance from staff who know the best spots in the bay. Their boats provide good lighting systems that attract squid effectively, increasing your chances of a successful catch.
The cruise offers 2-day and 3-day packages that include squid fishing as an evening activity. Their chefs are skilled at preparing your fresh catch in traditional Vietnamese styles. The comfortable cabins and excellent service make this a great choice for families and couples.
Paradise Elegance Cruise
Paradise Luxury Cruise combines high-end accommodations with authentic experiences like squid fishing. Their staff provides detailed instructions for beginners and quality fishing equipment.
What makes their squid fishing special is that they take you to less crowded areas of the bay where squid are more abundant. Their 2-night cruise package gives you two chances to try squid fishing. The cruise also features spacious sun decks that are perfect for nighttime fishing and stargazing.
Indochine Cruise Lan Ha
Indochine Cruise Lan Ha offers a more traditional squid fishing experience that closely follows local methods. Their crews include staff from fishing families who share interesting stories and tips about squid fishing in Halong Bay.
They provide both standard and deluxe cruises with squid fishing included in the evening program. Their chef will cook your squid catch several different ways so you can taste various local recipes. The wooden boat design adds to the authentic feel of the experience.
Dragon Legend Cruise
For those seeking a less touristy experience, Dragon Legend Cruise takes you to the more remote Bai Tu Long Bay, where the waters are cleaner and less crowded, making it ideal for squid fishing.
Their larger vessels provide stable platforms for nighttime fishing activities. They often combine squid fishing with a cooking demonstration, showing you how to prepare squid dishes like a local. Their 3-day cruise packages offer the most comprehensive experience of the bay, including multiple opportunities for squid fishing.
This is just a small selection of the many cruises that offer squid fishing experiences in Halong Bay. If you would like more recommendations tailored to your specific preferences, budget, and travel dates, please contact us by filling out this form on our website or sending an email to [email protected]. Our local experts can help you find the perfect cruise for your squid fishing adventure and assist with booking your entire Halong Bay experience.
FAQs
When is squid fishing season in Halong Bay?
The main squid fishing season runs from November to February, which happens to be the best time to visit Halong Bay in general. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities comfortable. Most squid fishing activities start after 8 PM, when the sea is calm and squid are more active.
What is the best month to catch squid?
While the entire season from November to February is good, December stands out as the prime month for catching squid in Halong Bay. The cooler water temperatures and lower humidity during December create ideal conditions for squid fishing. During this month, paying attention to the moon phase can help you pick the best nights to try your luck with the squid.
What is the best depth for squid fishing?
In Halong Bay, squid are typically caught at depths between 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet). This medium depth range is ideal because:
- It’s deep enough for squid to feel comfortable
- It’s shallow enough that the light from your fishing gear can effectively attract them
- The squid that inhabit these depths are the right size for eating (not too small)
When fishing for squid in Halong Bay, you don’t need to worry too much about the depth of your line. The fishing method used involves suspending your lure at depths of about 3-5 meters below the surface.
Where is the best spot to catch squid?
In Halong Bay, the best spots for squid fishing are typically in sheltered areas near the limestone karsts where the water is calm and relatively shallow. Local fishermen favor locations away from the main shipping lanes and busy tourist areas, particularly in the less crowded parts of the bay like the Cong Do area and the waters around the Cong Dam fishing village.
Squid fishing in Halong Bay offers a perfect blend of fun, food, and memorable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. It connects you with local Vietnamese traditions while letting you enjoy the unique beauty of Halong Bay after dark. The thrill of catching your own dinner, followed by the pleasure of eating the freshest possible seafood, creates memories that will last long after your trip ends. So when you plan your trip to Halong Bay, make sure to choose a cruise that includes squid fishing in its program – you won’t regret making this traditional activity part of your Vietnam adventure.
Mo Nguyen – From Halong Junk Cruise
